The SPATE 8000 Thermo-Elastic Camera For Dynamic Stress Measurement On Nuclear Plant Components

Structural dynamics for integrity assessment and condition monitoring of electrical power station plant can be approached using a variety of methods combining theoretical modelling with experimental measurements. In recent years experimental approaches have broadened to include non-contacting full-field response measurement techniques using laser holography and more recently, stress pattern analysis from thermal emission (SPATE) to obtain dynamic stress information. This paper presents two examples of the application of a SPATE 8000 camera system to the determination of the dynamic stress distributions on nuclear reactor components. In the first project a Magnox reactor compensating bellows unit was dynamically tested in the laboratory using an electromagnetic shaker to excite resonances in the frequency range 300 to 400Hz. The dynamic stress data collected is compared with finite element model prediction. The second example describes a similar modal response investigation performed on an AGR gas circulator inner casing ring which is designed to isolate the stress concentrations present. This test was carried out in the power station maintenance facility during a routine reactor overhaul.